HBO Max is looking to expand its stand-up comedy library with the release of three separate acts from comedians Colin Quinn (Trainwreck), Phoebe Robinson (2 Dope Queens, Black Frasier) and Aida Rodriguez (The Comedian). The nascent streaming service also has plans to develop comedic specials for Chelsea Handler (Chelsea Lately), Tracy Morgan (30 Rock, The Last O.G.), Marlon Wayans (White Chicks, Little Man), John Early (Search Party, The Disaster Artist), and Ahir Shah (Campus, Catastrophe).
Quinn is set to direct and headline Summer of 2020: A Drive-in Comedy Special (working title), a multi-act comedy showcase that’s also described as part documentary. The special will be taped from a repurposed drive-in movie theatre in Brooklyn that allows for audience members to enjoy the show while adhering to social distancing regulations.
“Anybody can please an audience” Said Quinn in a press release. “It takes a real comedian to make a bunch of cars laugh.”
Summer of 2020: A Drive-In Comedy Special is produced by Above Average and executive produced by M. Blair Breard (Baskets, Louie), Marc Lieberman, and Brian Stern (Cop Show) of AGI Entertainment.
Robinson will get her fist solo one-hour stand-up special, where she plans to dive into topics like quarantining with her boyfriend, moderating on Michelle Obama’s book tourn and failing at being a social justice warrior. In a press release with Warner Media, she shared her feeling on being given this special with the media giant:
“Starting my relationship with HBO via 2 Dope Queens was a dream come true and to be able to stay in the HBO family with this stand-up special is helping me keep my lights on and Tampax Pearls in my medicine cabinet. Jokes aside, i’m honored to have the privilege of making people laugh, especially during these times. Thank you in advance for giving me the job of a lifetime.”
Robinson will serve as an executive producer with her company Tiny Reparations producing.
Comedian and actress Aida Rodriguez will take to the stage in a solo stand-up special where she plans to confront audiences on topics about cancel culture and social issues of the day.
Rodriguez expressed via press release her excitement to be working with HBO Max:
“I’m excited about my first hour-long special and I’m thankful that HBO Max believed in me enough to create a place for my voice[.] They have been a great partner every step of the way.”
The special will be produced by Art & Industry.